Eric crawford is a member of the idaho technology council

Introducing Eric Crawford from IFP Connect, an organization that manufactures patented fiberoptic hardware that revolutionizes how buildings are wired for data networks. As the name suggests, Integrated Fiber Platform’s hardware allows buildings to be wired entirely with fiber instead of copper for data networks, reducing costs, improving performance, and increasing efficiency. Their patented transceivers install in less time and deliver a lower cost than traditional copper category cable and connectors. IFP Connect’s products allow architects, builders, and building owners to deliver a better data network at the same or lower cost. Crawford, as the CEO, is a former low voltage contractor and engineer, and uses these past responsibilities to revolutionize how buildings are wired!


Email: eric.crawford@ifpconnect.com

Website: https://ifpconnect.com/


More on Eric and IFP Connect…


Describe your organization:


We manufacture patented products that revolutionize the data networks within a building by allowing them to be wired with fiber instead of copper, saving time and money, while delivering a better solution to the customer. We just received our first of four patents this month, and are excited to get in front of more trades to show them the value of using fiber instead of copper for their data and computer networks.


What inspired you to start your own business?


This is the second business I started. The first one was a smart home company that served high end residential and light commercial around the Treasure Valley. I sold that business in 2023 to launch IFP Connect, because the data networking industry needs a modern solution to address the vast limitations of category cable.


What sets your business apart from others in your industry?


We are the only company manufacturing products that allow buildings to be wired entirely with fiber, allowing the building to support the network needs of tomorrow.


What challenges have you faced as a new business owner, and how did you overcome them?


I am an operations guy through and through, so I am having a hard time developing sales channels and a customer base. Although I am capable of doing it, it is not my superpower like operations is.


What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?


However hard you think it will be, it is still harder. The emotional battles are deep, it is often lonely, and many times you have to make a decision with limited information. Starting a business is for those that want to go against the grain, want to tip over the apple cart, and are self-motivated, even in the presence of wide-spread doubt. The best part is that each day is 100% up to you. The worst part is that 100% of everything that happens with the company is your fault. However after 18 years in entrepreneurship, I don't think I could ever go back to a regular job.


Be sure to check out Eric using the social media links below. If you are interested in learning more about IFP, please check out their website or contact Eric using the email listed above.

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Meet Zach Adams

by Tim Munkres • 11 December 2025
Introducing: Zach Adams, CEO & Co-Founder, Pitch Aeronautics Describe the business/organization you work for: I'm the co-founder of Pitch Aeronautics. Pitch Aeronautics provides weather-based data insights to electric utilities enabling them to push more power through existing lines, increase reliability, and decrease wildfire risk. We use a vertical stack of technologies including AI/ML weather software, IoT power-line mounted weather stations, and a ultraprecise drone which can install these sensors and other components on energized power lines. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? When I was finishing up my dissertation I felt like the technology I developed would just be stranded in academia. I brought this up to Ian Gibson, a friend and classmate of mine from the Air Force Academy, and he suggested we see if we could start a business to commercialize it. We certainly would have never guessed we would end up helping utilities increase electric transmission capacity! What sets this business apart from others in the industry? We've made the only drone in the world capable of installation different components on energized power-lines. This platform enables us to install IoT sensors and other components at far lower costs and ultimately aggregate better data for utilities. We use this data to provide better forecasts for transmission capacity, wildfire risk, and more. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Every stage of business has had it's challenges and I am thankful we've gotten to learn and grow from each one of them. When we were first starting out it was learning how to communicate and pinpoint the value of the technology. Now it's figuring out how to deliver for all the customer orders, juggling HR, and working with strategic partners. It's the challenges that make it fun! What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Talk to as many customers as you can About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Zach on LinkedIn HERE Check out Pitch Aeronautics HERE

Meet Ismar Vallecillos

by Tim Munkres • 11 December 2025
Introducing: Ismar Vallecillos, Western Governors University, Regional Director of Operations Describe the business/organization you work for: Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, fully online, accredited university driven by a mission to expand access to high quality, affordable education for working adults across the United States. Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU pioneered the competency-based education model, allowing students to progress through coursework based on their ability to demonstrate mastery, rather than seat time. Serving over 195,000 students and boasting more than 360,000 graduates, WGU offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, health professions (including nursing), and teaching. WGU is recognized for its innovative use of technology, commitment to student success, and deep partnerships with employers and workforce development agencies nationwide. The university works to close skill gaps, promote social mobility, and deliver measurable economic impact through education that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to regional needs. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? What sets WGU apart is its competency-based model, which lets students advance by demonstrating mastery—not by spending a set amount of time in class. Combined with flat-rate tuition, personalized mentoring, and fully online programs, WGU offers a flexible, affordable, and career aligned education that adapts to the lives of working adults—unlike most traditional or even other online universities. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. My connection to Idaho began with my 2-year mission, which placed me in various towns and cities across eastern Idaho. As an education professional, I lived in Rexburg while working for BYU-Idaho. Having lived in various rural communities, I became aware of the need for flexible and affordable education among rural communities. With this understanding in mind, I have labored to expand awareness of the value that WGU's online degrees can bring to members of these communities. Online education is the key to helping rural communities to train, educate, and keep their members within the community. What inspired you to join the ITC? I was inspired to join the Idaho Technology Council because I believe in its mission to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and elevate Idaho’s position as a leader in tech. As someone passionate about expanding access to education and career opportunities—especially in underserved regions—I saw the ITC as a natural fit. It offers a powerful platform to connect industry, education, and workforce leaders to shape Idaho’s tech future in meaningful, forward-thinking ways. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? As a leader in education, I am looking forward to contributing to Idaho's tech future through workforce development. At the heart of any industry's growth is a well prepared and skilled workforce. This can only be accomplished through the right collaborative environment between educational institutions and leading industries. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? As a leader in education, I’m most looking forward to contributing to Idaho’s tech future by helping build a stronger, more agile workforce. At the heart of any thriving industry is a pipeline of well-prepared, highly skilled professionals. I believe this can only be achieved through intentional collaboration between educational institutions and leading industries. By serving on the ITC board, I’m excited to help bridge those sectors—aligning academic programs with real-time workforce needs, promoting access to tech career pathways across all communities in Idaho, and supporting innovation that keeps Idaho competitive. It’s an incredible opportunity to shape not only the future of tech in our state, but to create sustainable upward mobility for the next generation of talent. About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Ismar on LinkedIn HERE Check out WGU HERE